In Memory of...

Sunday night as I was just starting to relax from previous days, I got a phone call that I didn't expect...my best friend (and cousin) lost her dad. I couldn't believe any of what I was hearing, it was surreal.

I packed up again, out of a suitcase that hadn't been unloaded, and on Monday morning I was back on the road to Victoria. A road trip alone gives you so much time to think and reflect on life. Even though the circumstances were grim, the time alone gave me an opportunity to be thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed on my life this year.

As I sat with my cousin, we reminisced on some of the times with her dad, and fought back the tears as we looked at his brand new slippers still next to the Christmas tree. It is a painful time, but she is clearly able to laugh and remember the good times they shared.

Why blog about this? Take this opportunity to find some understanding about what confuses you. Call that friend that you have been too busy to get in touch with. FOLLOW that dream that still seems elusive. Let us all stop waiting until life gives us a blow and we have to "react" instead of having a plan all along. I admit, I am guilty of all of the above, but we have to start somewhere.

If you have 30 seconds today, whisper a little prayer for my friend, then pray that God gives you guidance for your own dreams. Have a blessed day.

We will miss you David.

Merry Christmas

Christmas was absolutely wonderful. Even though we have previously sworn off the worldwind traveling through 2-3 cities, 5-6 houses, and days in the car, we did it again this year. We had Christmas with our family of four on Christmas Eve. The girls have been sleeping in since the start of winter break, but this morning they were up and ready to go by 8:00 a.m.

As much as I have been trying to keep the one year old away from the tree and the gifts to no avail, I couldn't get her to open presents this morning when I placed them in front of her. Then I remembered the box she wanted in to the most was the build-a-bear (puppy) that her sister made for her, and that was just the spark she needed to get going. It was a great start to the holidays.

Then we headed to Houston to see the girls paternal great grandmas(2), Grandma, cousins, aunts and uncle...and god-brother and sister. We spent one night there and after more toys, clothes and money, we hit the road to Victoria.

After that we came back home on Saturday evening in time to get rest and go to church on Sunday morning, which brought it all home. It was such a great time.

I hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas.

A day with the kids!

Sometimes I just feel like sharing how much the Lord has blessed me. Right now I should be laying out clothes for tomorrow but I am listening to children who are giddy about the approaching holiday and running around the house. Even the one year old knows that something big is approaching. She keeps pushing the button on the stocking that plays Jingle Bells and rocks side to side.

Not much to say tonight except Thank you Lord...

You can always go home...

So a week or two ago I went to my hometown(Victoria) for the weekend. It was truly what I needed. I got to see so many people that I hadn't seen in a while and it was cool.

For starters, on Saturday morning I went to do a little networking with an old friend from high school and I found that I was very proud of her and the accomplishments that has brought to the town. It was a great start to the rest of the day.

After that I went home to pick up my daughters, so we could go to my God-daughter's birthday party at the skating rink. Little did I know, I was about to be in for a big surprise. My one year old who has never skated in her life, had the biggest fit I have ever seen. Why? Simply because she wanted to skate. Forseeing this in advance, I did have my six year old's adjustable skates with me, but she wanted to go out to the middle of the skating rink with no help.

Just let her go, Right? Well her well-prepared mommy grabbed the skates without the wheel locks so she kept falling down. This didn't stop her, she kept on crying "Skate, mama, skate!" To make matters worse, they cleared the floor for skate races so she couldn't go out at all. She was so upset that she wouldn't even come back to the table for pizza. She loves pizza! After she tried to convince all of our friends to take her to the floor, her dad was finally able to calm her down by taking her over to the video games.

Next we went home to grab coats, blankets, grandparents, and chairs to head downtown to the night parade. It was awesome and the kids had a blast. I ate from the moment I got there, almost until the time we left. Nachos, soda, fries, hot chocolate, cheese cake squares...it was all so yummy and after all it was my first time going. All of my family has been at least one other time, so I felt like I needed to catch up.

Sunday we went to my childhood church for service and a book signing. It was awesome! The pastor blessed the book and encouraged the church family to embrace the book which they did. I was so amazed with the outpouring of love and support. It was inspiring.

Later that day we stopped by my brother's house to invade his grapefruit and pecan trees. My husband was literally up in the tree, trying to grab large fruit from the top. He squeezes them to make fresh juice.

After a series of goodbyes and squeezes on my little nephew we hit the road, arriving shortly after nightfall. It was a great weekend.

Oh What a Night !

Is there a rule somewhere that limits the number of times you can officially say, "This was the best night of my life!" Although there have been many many many wonderful moments in my life, this one was good too.

So when we last left off I was on a class field trip in very cold weather with the six year old. The next day I did make it to an appointment to get my hair done for the event. What event? The pre-release party for my children's book, of course. I know, you all saw that coming but I just had to say it again.

So many family members and friends came out to share their well wishes and show their love for me and my accomplishment. I am just so thankful to know so many great people. My cup runneth over (again and again)!

My pastor blessed the book, followed by an 8 year old praise dancer, kind words were expressed by a few friends, and my dad, plus a reading of the book, as well as lots of door prizes. It was wonderful. I will be back with pictures...

For my daughter

So you would think that today would start off with a manicure, pedicure, and a massage while listening to zen music in the background. Maybe even, looking in to "my inner me" while soft music played and the sound of water trickled over a rock garden. NOT!

Yes tomorrow is the day of the pre release party, a major sign that this journey is coming full circle, but getting pampered was not as I expected it to be. For starters, the six year old asked me to go on her class field trip to Pioneer Farms. No big deal except it was 49 degrees outside(at noon). The farm, as most are, was in the middle of this gigantic field, which meant lots of walking in open spaces. The wind chill made the gusts feel like ice against your skin. Arrgh!

However it was fun. Another mother and myself made the best of it, by laughing and talking as we scurried the little ones along. My child was happy and I was content with seeing her smile.

Now when I did make it to the nail salon, the hot water in the foot spa on my frozen toes was almost unbearable. But before you think I am complaining, think again. I haven't had a pedicure or manicure in many many months. It hurt so bad, but it felt so good all at the same time. Zany, I know.

Stay posted and I will have pictures of the event in a few days. Pray God's best for our night!

Google my name...

What a difference a year makes. Last year if you typed in my name at google.com, you would have found the somewhat decent 5k results from the Galveston Island Mardis Gras Run. In my defense, my oldest daughter was only five months old. However, if you type it in now you will see that I hold places 1,2, and 4. Woohoo!

Now first and second place are thanks to all you faithful readers of the blog, so give yourselves a pat on the back. But fourth place, yes I said fourth place is thanks to this little writer from Victoria, Texas who had a dream of one day seeing her work in print. Hallelujah. I am so happy, because if you have ever googled anything, you know sometimes it requires some searching.

Although I was proud of myself back in 2002, for running around a cold and windy island to benefit a cause that I can't remember, I am extremely proud of what is happening now. So next time you stop by google, remember Ursula Wade Boudreaux, so that way when the book is officially released, I won't be hard to find. Thanks

I've learned...

I've learned to savor the moment...Last night as I sat on a pillow, (some parents were on blankets), on the hard school cafeteria floor, I was nearly overcome with emotion. Thank goodness the one year old was crawling all over me and pulling things out of her backpack, so I was distracted from the burning feeling in the back of my throat.

Anyway the six year old was in the first grade performance that sang the praises of our great nation. As her class did a spectacular rendition of God Bless the USA, I became so emotional watching her wave her little red, white and blue streamers and singing her heart out. I was proud of her, and proud of our country, it was just so overwhelming. I would not trade that moment for anything.


I've also learned that while trying to teach my children (and others, through this book) to have faith, I have learned to have more and to also be trusting of that faith(in God). You see we won't always be able to understand everything in life or even understand peoples actions, but if we let our lights shine and try to be the best person we can be, that's all that matters. Yes we will continue to make mistakes, but strive to do your best in every arena.


Everybody is so busy with the distractions of life, which causes us to take people and things for granted. So just for today, challenge yourself to appreciate something or someone...the feeling you get out of it is priceless.



http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/with/3009094952/

More about last week...

I also forgot to mention that my friends at UPS stopped by the house about three times last week, well actually three days in a row. First, the shoes that I order from Zappos.com came a day and a half later. A day and a half, plus they have free shipping. You can't beat it! I am impressed.


Then the boxes carrying my new posters, business cards, and post cards for the book came. That is when I felt official. I felt like I had arrived. Where? Wherever it is that real writer's go. I plan to frame and hang one of the posters here in the house, as a reminder that dreams(and goals) are attainable. It's funny when my husband asked, "Where ya gonna hang your poster?" I was secretly glad that he was thinking the same thing, so that way I knew I wasn't just being full of myself. HEE! HEE!

So the posters and the website combined had me on cloud nine all week long. To make it even better, my six year old is very proud of her mommy. That alone is worth all that has happened with this journey. Before I forget to mention it; her last soccer game was Saturday. Before we left home we gave her the normal pep talk. "Have fun! Play hard." Well she took the play hard to the extreme.

My little star scored three goals and hustled pretty much the whole time she played. We had a family friend with us, and she was truly impressed. In fact, the whole team played well. They only lost one game the whole season.

It was a great week.

Week in review!

Okay, it is 12:04 a.m. and I am wide awake. How bad it is gonna hurt in the morning when the alarm clock goes off, or when the one year old starts to call my name in that sing-songy voice around 2:45 a.m. like clockwork. If her dad goes in there(he does 2-3 nights a week) she sometimes will lay back down, if I go in there she already has her arms out so she can come to our bed. Sometimes a snuggle and cuddle is cool, that is until a foot sticks you in the rib. For the life of me I can't understand why she has to sleep sideways.

Anyway this past week has been about as blessed as they come. Each day it was something new and wonderful. Barack Obama has become president. No more excuses! Lift him up in prayer every chance you get. My marketing representative surprised me by nonchalantly mentioning(in email form) that she posted my book online at the Publisher's website. Uh hello this is big. Now although I am sure she will say she is just doing her job, I will disagree and say she made my dream manifest right before my eyes. Thanks A.S.

Then the well wishes just started pouring in. I know I was following my dream all along by writing this book, but I didn't realize the fact that everybody doesn't automatically do the same. Now I know I mentioned this several posts ago, but never ever give up on your dream no matter what it is. Encourage yourself when no one else will. Throw out every excuse! Cast out negative influences. Just don't give up.

Take out a tablet in your spare time and start with the sentence "I started dreaming again today..." and see where that takes you.

Vote!

Did you vote today? You should have. It's your right. If you didn't, log off and get to the polls now.

Marketing

It's Sunday morning and the house is quiet. My husband is at the store, the 6 year old is in the game room playing with Sparkles( the purple dress up poodle) and a pair of fairy wings, while the one year old is fast asleep. Her temperature keeps spiking up so some of us have had very little sleep. However in my waken state I have had plenty of time to brainstorm and plan the pre-release party.

I have narrowed down a date, a short program, and perks for the attendees, I just have to pinpoint the location, which I hope to have completed by tomorrow evening. Wow! This is all a lot to take in. In the past few days I have ordered copies of the book, posters, book marks, and business cards. I actually have my own marketing representative, makes me feel special. I am also trying to prep Chef Boudreaux, so for those of you who haven't had his food yet, you will be in for a treat.

The book itself will be released during the second week of February, however I will have copies in a few weeks, so if you are anxious or just want to have your copies for the holiday season, just let me know. You will also be able to order directly from the publishers website.

Thank you all for following this journey with me. Stay tuned because the best is yet to come.

Proof

This morning I woke up, said a prayer on the way to the shower and then bumbled around in the bathroom for another 10 minutes. I helped the 6 year old get dressed and left her in the loving care of her father as I dashed out the door to an appointment.

Then, the party got started. I turned up the volume on my praise and worship CD that I made, yes I burned it on my laptop(WRONG!!!), forgive me. But the point is, after my appointment was done, I went to the post office to mail THE FINAL PROOF OF THE MANUSCRIPT. I AM GOING TO PRINT!!!! I sang, I praised, (carefully) lifting my hands while I was driving, I was in the zone.

Whenever I speak of singing and praising, my sister-in-law, who shall remain nameless, finds this a little humorous, because I don't sing well and tend to be a little reserved with my public praise. She has a way of asking, "Were you praising, Urs?" It's actually her way of teasing because she has witnessed my transformation. I usually sing in the car, in the shower, to the 19 month old, etc. However, lately I haven't cared who hears me, because when you reach a certain point and the blessings start to flow, it doesn't matter who is listening or how it sounds. It's genuine.

Yes I know that trials may still arise, but it is how you deal with them that counts. And just like the song says "an incredible God deserves incredible praise.

Phillipians 4:12 (amplified bible)
12I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.
13I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [g]infuses inner strength into me; I am [h]self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Cover it up

We are on the move. On Friday, I received the options for the book's cover. Wow! For those of you who have been following along, judge for yourself. Has it been a long time since my initial announcement?
I have actually done a pretty good job of being patient. I know some of you had to pick up your mouths off the ground for that one, but I have. (I am learning).

Well just a few more months until completion. Don't worry I will keep every one informed as to when the launch party and book signing will be.

Micah's Baby Brother

So the name of the book is called Micah's Baby Brother, just in case you missed it in earlier postings. It is a wonderful little story that I am very proud of. Nevertheless, the Lord has blessed us with two beautiful little girls, so there is a bit of irony in that title.

This guy right here, the one with the kool aid smile, is my husband. The little bundle he is holding is my 3day old nephew, Isaiah or "Ike" is the new nick name given to him from Pa Pa.

You see, he had to evacuate from Victoria (20 minutes from Port Lavaca) only hours after being released from the hospital, due to the threat of Hurricane Ike striking the Texas Coast.

Back to the smile, now my husband loves and adores our two little girls, but there is something about the way he gets all excited with the idea of a son(0), a nephew(5), a God son(2). He is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to them. He plays with them and entertains them. It is wonderful to watch his interactions with them.

Anyway, as I mentioned he loves his daughters, and he is very good with them, but I can only imagine the adventures he would have with a son.

I like your smile...

Okay! Every since I have been a little girl, I recall my Dad making jokes about how I love to be in front of a camera. Perhaps there may be some truth to this, but it is not due to vanity or anything, I just believe it's one way to leave your mark on the world. With all of this being said, let me move on to my point.

If my dad is right, then I should never have any problems getting my picture taken. Right? Wrong! I went to a wonderful studio, Bella Amadis, to get some head shots taken for my book. The photographer was awesome, very patient, very personable, I could go on all day. Well she asked me for one thing that I could not deliver... a serious smile.

I could smirk, I could giggle, I could beam brightly, but I just could not simply smile. I am so Godly proud of this accomplishment that I am ready to shout it from the roof tops. The first few months of this process were extremely slow, but everything is on the move now. Thank you, Lord.

So the photographer, just continued to work with me. She was kind and made what had the potential to turn into a very tense and uncomfortable situation, turn out to be a nice photo shoot. Ultimately we both agreed that the good ole "say cheese" is one of my best assets.

So next time in doubt, just S M I L E!

(Thank you for such a fun day, B.F.M.)

What A Blessing!

I have been blessed with the kindest, most thoughtful person as my illustrator. When we first began our interactions with each other I was terribly under the weather with some strange bug I picked up at Disney World, and "She" made a point to check in on my health with each exchange that we shared before she got down to business.

This is just another positive experience that I have encountered along this journey. God is truly putting the right people in the right places, just when they are needed the most. I am truly thankful for this experience. So this blog entry is dedicated to you, MP, your kindness has meant so much and your images are awesome. :-)

Picture This

I received a copy of the first image for the book today. I was so excited, this journey is truly taking shape. I was pleasantly surprised to see the attention given to suggestions that I made. I pray that each image is carefully designed, that when all is said and done, all glory will go to God. I pray that each hand who holds it and every eye that reads it, will take a positive message from the story and perhaps have their faith renewed. (Amen)

The Next Phase

I have officially moved the the next phase of the book. I am now in the layout phase. It is time to start putting the words on the appropriate pages, which will be followed by pictures. Woohoo! I will update the blog as soon I get more information.

I Survived the Red Pen

Yippee!!! I received the first round of edits from The Publisher and I survived the red pen. I have to admit, I was a little nervous because it has been a while since I have had someone critique my work. However, it was not bad at all.

Remember your first college paper, where it seems like it would have been easier if your professor would have written it herself. I promise, mine had so many red marks on it, that I couldn't see my words any more.

Moving forward, I can proudly say that I have improved . With each new phase, I still marvel at the fact that my dream is coming to pass. I know I have said this in the past, but thank you to everyone who continues to follow this process, and for those who continually send their blessings and well wishes.

Foreword

I received the first endorsement for my book, coupled by a well written foreword. I was really impressed by the statements that this individual had to say about myself as well as the story. I am learning so much on this journey.

A foreword is an introductory statement in a published work, made by someone other than the author. Just think if we had someone to put in a good word for us or to endorse our character everyday of our lives.
Perhaps you fall short of completing a task or you mispoke about a particular situation, imagine someone being there to straighten it out and fix it for you. I know most people consider themselves perfect, but I have accidently, mistakenly, and unknowingly said or done things without thinking. However there was no magician to wave his magic wand or a mediator on hand to explain.

I thank God for His compassion and forgiveness, which a lot of people have shown me as well.

Your Latter Will Be Greater...

Isn't it frustrating when you are so excited for the next phase of anything to begin, but it seems like the reply on every hand is "wait!" I received an email about a week ago from The Publisher saying that the book business isn't known for its quickness, so be prepared.

While I knew that the book wouldn't be published overnight, I was hoping the process would happen rather swiftly. However, I am glad I received the heads up, because I know I probably would start to get antsy during this lag time.

One of my favorite songs by Martha Munizzi is Your Latter Will Be Greater(than your past) based on a scripture in Job 8:7 (7And though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase). No matter what you have been through or no matter what you are going to go through, it's all okay because "the best is yet to come."

So even though part of me wants to be anxious, I am able to control my thoughts and enjoy this exciting time, because that is truly what it is. So my goal for the next few weeks leading up to the start of production is to make sure I enjoy the process leading up to the blessing, and don't get so caught up with what the end result is going to be. I already know my latter will be greater than the rest.

Writer's Block

This is my one year old daughter. Just as any real princess would have it, the world (my household) revolves around her. If she is happy, then everyone is happy. If she isn't, then we have to readjust a few things in order to get anything done.

Don't let the big smile fool you, although it is sweet, she makes her presence known. I was putting the finishing touches on the sequel to Micah, so I was in deep concentration. Any writer will tell you that once you are in the zone you simply need to "write it out."

As I tried my best to incorporate playtime, with mommy-time, it just wasn't working. She began trying to squeeze in between me and the laptop, which just wasn't happening. I tried to redirect her attention to items in the room that usually captivate her, but she absolutely refused. She wanted Mommy and that's all there was to it.

After realizing it was too frustrating to write and fight off a tenacious one year old, I decided to finally give in when King Daddy saved the day. As the two of them disappeared down the winding staircase, not really it just has one turn, I was free to write my heart out. But wouldn't you know it, I had writer's block.

It didn't last long, I was able to regroup and finish the story. Sometimes life will yield interuptions, but don't sweat it, because it's just an opportunity to slow down and take in the good stuff. If I had put down the computer and held her, I would have seen just what my husband did. She was sleepy, and drifted right off within moments of them walking away.

Everything Looks Great

I am on my way! I submitted what is called a complete manuscript today, which is the dedication and acknowledgement pages, the story itself, and the teaser for the back of the book. I received a reply shortly after from the Publisher indicating that "everything looks great."

My pastor often says that the Lord will give you more on your way than he does when you first start out. I love to hear him say that because it is so true. Before I started this journey, I didn't even know how to access a blog. Now I feel like I have so much to say, what's new right? But seriously, I won't include any names, but the email messages that I have received telling me how much they appreciate my blog give me the boost I need to keep doing this.

I still have moments where I have to pinch myself, because I have been dreaming this dream for so long. I will have my very own book at the end of this journey. So my words of encouragement for today are pull out a pen and paper, write down your dream and put a plan into to action. Find someone around you who is doing what you want to do. Don't give up!

Remember even when you can't see what's ahead of you, with God "everything looks great!"

Teasing

I was always told that teasing wasn't nice, but somehow my older brother missed that lesson, because he always teased me. In fact, he and my cousin flat out tormented me. I guess I can honestly say my childhood was bitter sweet.

Now I have to go against all that I was taught and do a little teasing of mine own. So hold on to your seats for the lashing of your life. Oops! what's that? Have I taken this out of context? Okay let me start again.

I have to write a teaser for the back page of my book. It is a couple of paragraphs about the story and about myself to capture the readers attention to make them want to read the book. How many times have you gone to a book store and read this so-called teaser and left the book right where it was. Too many to count right?

I have to be different enough to catch your eye, however I have to follow a certain format, so that ought to be an interesting task. I mean, anyone can toot their own horn and talk about themselves, but I have talk about myself as a serious writer.

Just like anything, this too can be done. So when you buy your copy of the book, remember to let me know how I did.

Take Courage!

He has no fear! How many times have we heard people refer to a child that way? For many of us courage and boldness comes naturally. For some of us, it takes a little bit more effort to muster it up. With age, shouldn't it become easier to be brave? It depends who you are.

This weekend I had to approach to people that I admire greatly to inform them that I would like to acknowledge them in my book. One of which is a Bishop and the other is a Pastor. Even though that doesn't seem like it's that hard, I was almost about to change my mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 states, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. This is the scripture I like to quote and confess when I am fearful. In all situations take courage. The worst any one can ever say to you is NO and that doesn't kill you, it only makes you stronger.

So back to my original question, shouldn't it be easier to be brave when we are older? Yes, because with age comes wisdom. Remember this, it doesn't matter who you are if you know "whose" you are; a child of God. He has given us power and instructions (the bible) on how to use it.

So take courage and be brave.

Dedication

The "Publisher" informed me that I need to work on my dedication and acknowledgement sections for the book. As I imagined standing before a crowd giving the "Miss America" wave followed by a long speech, I was quickly brought back to reality, when I thought about how long the list of thank you(s) could actually be.

What about all the Sunday school teachers who taught me lessons of faith? What about the high school English teacher that made writing so fun? What about all the children at the daycare who yelled, "Again! Again!" after I read the dramatic version of the storybooks they loved so.

As we go through life, so many people touch our hearts, without ever knowing the impact they leave on us. Of course, the obvious thanks goes to my family, whom I am eternally grateful for and often let them know it. Then there are close friends that I will send email or cards too. But what about the people who greet us with a kind word when we are having a bad day? What about the people who helped us go that extra mile, when it was just to hard to make it on our own?

I thank you one and all, no matter what part you have played in my life. I wish I could include everyone of you name by name in this book, but I can't. If you were the kid who shared your snack in elementary school, the bully in junior high, or best buddy in high school this book is for you. If you are to pastor who brings me the word of God each week, or the friend who knows all of my secrets(which you should keep), then this book is also for you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

This is my 5 year old. I wouldn't say she is adventurous, but she loves an adventure. That is, of course, if it is carefully guided by her father and I or some other trusted adult like her kindergarten teacher.

Well even though she has heard my story, she keeps coming up to me with other books showing me the pictures and illustrations, giving me an indication of what my book should look like. At first, I was thinking okay you're putting way too much into this.

But then I realized, she is the target audience. All she knows is that she likes what she likes and that's all that matters. And I know she loves to read anything, books, signs, billboards. So this process is another opportunity to present her with yet another adventure.

Out of the mouths of babes: one of the worlds oldest sayings that still packs a powerful punch.

Love for UPS???

I have a new respect for UPS. As I did a series of events that seemed like nothing all morning long, except a lengthy instant messaging session with a friend, I finally decided to arrange for the pick up of my contract to be returned to the publisher. I prayed over it, you know that each hand that touches it have the right intent in their heart, fair and accurate attention be given to it, as well as it being used to glorify God.



Anyway it was at least 11:00 when I went to their website to schedule pick up, I figured I would take my chances and put in for same day pick up. Realizing it was risky, I indicated that the package would be available for pick up as late as possible. (Hey, I was just hoping to be squeezed in for today's pick up).



As I was heading out to Walmart I heard the roar of Old Brown, my new nick name for the service, since they are the Publisher's preferred method of handling correspondence, I figure I will be dealing with them a lot more often. Plus I shop online a lot so they probably know me anyway. SHHH!



My point is, that it was only 1:35. Forget all of the times I had evil thoughts because I wanted them to deliver my Christmas packages while my daughter was at school, or that the laptop that helped to make this dream a reality was stuck in some gosh forsaken warehouse until after the holiday. I only got to open one present from my husband on Christmas.



Does this mean that my love/hate relationship with UPS has turned into more of a loving one?
I hope so...Stay tuned and we will soon see.

I Gave Praise...

My neighbor called me today, which I immediately found odd, because we usually just have casual conversation. This time was different, because little did I know, a new journey was about to start for me. The UPS driver delivered my package to her house, so as we stood at my front door exchanging niceties, I began to wonder what did I order.

Still hungry for Smokey Mo's barbecue, that I had just put on my plate, I bid her adieu and looked at the envelope. Could it be that only after 3 weeks, the Christian publisher I was interested in was also interested in me? Ripping the envelope open yielded the words I longed to see, "We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to issue you a formal offer for your children's book." I yelled, I screamed, I ran up the stairs to find Trent, my husband.

Slightly uneasy and prepared to run down stairs to find the source of the primal scream he looked at me as if to say what. As he read over the cover letter for the contract for what seemed like hours, I paced, and cried, and I gave praise to God. He does give us the desires of our hearts.

I ask that you follow me on this journey, through the process of publication for my first faith based children's book, "Micah's Baby Brother."